Cardoon plant profile
Cynara cardunculus
A perennial vegetable for full sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Cardoon
Cardoon is a tall perennial relative of the globe artichoke, often grown as a half-hardy annual for its edible stalks. Oregon State University says to sow seed in the greenhouse in early or mid March for transplanting in mid May, or to direct seed in the field in early to mid May, for an October or November harvest.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Cardoon in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Full sun
- Planting depth
- 1 in
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Spacing
- 18 to 24 in apart, rows 36 in
- Days to maturity
- 120 to 150 days (from transplant)
Common problems
Watch for these
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus)
Oregon State University, College of Agricultural Sciences (Oregon Vegetables). Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.
- Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon)
NC State Extension (NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox). Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.